Bruno Mars’ $50 million gambling debt denied by casino company | Image: Instagram/@brunomars
Casino giant MGM debunked rumors that singer-songwriter Bruno Mars currently faces a $50-million gambling debt.
A spokesperson of the international casino and entertainment company, with whom Mars has an ongoing partnership, told Variety that the reports on the singer’s debt were “completely false.”
“We’re proud of our relationship with Bruno Mars, one of the world’s most thrilling and dynamic performers. Bruno’s brand of entertainment attracts visitors from around the globe. MGM and Bruno’s partnership is longstanding and rooted in mutual respect,” said the management.
“Any speculation otherwise is completely false. He has no debt with MGM. Together, we are excited to continue creating unforgettable experiences for our guests,” it stressed.
The gambling-debt allegations of the “Versace on the Floor” singer were first reported by NewsNation on March 14. According to the outlet, citing a reliable source, Mars owed MGM millions, and the company “basically owns him.”
The publication then asserted that Mars’ paycheck might be enough to pay off the alleged debt. “He makes $90 million a year off of the deal he did with the casino, but then he has to pay back his debt… after taxes (Mars makes $1.5 million per night),” adding $90 million after taxes was closer to $60 million.
In an interview with GQ in 2013, the “Just the Way You Are” singer revealed that he first visited a casino when he was 19 years old and lost a hard-earned hundred dollars.
“I remember my first bet, my hand was shaking, and a guy called me out on it and embarrassed me. You gotta lose. You just have to lose to win, to understand,” he reminisced.
Mars also shared that he was a frequent visitor to the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles and was a “loudmouth” when gambling.
“I used to be like a loudmouth. You know the guy, people would want to take his money. If you do get them to lose, they’re out for you; they’re gunning for you,” he said.
The “When I Was Your Man” singer also revealed in a 2016 interview with James Corden that he was able to pay off the rent before he was famous by playing cards “for a little while.”
Mars, regarded as one of the most successful singers in the world, has been openly vocal about his Filipino heritage.